Abstract: Turbine system including a turbine and a tubular arrangement having an exit opening. The tubular arrangement is arranged on a downstream side of the turbine. At least one flow controlling device at least partially prevents a fluid flow through the tubular arrangement from becoming detached from the tubular arrangement. The at least one flow controlling device is positioned within the fluid flow and in an area of the exit opening. The turbine system is configured to operate efficiently in an environment wherein at least an upper edge of the exit opening is arranged above a downstream liquid level.

Abstract: Turbine system including a turbine and a tubular arrangement having an exit opening. The tubular arrangement is arranged on a downstream side of the turbine. At least one flow controlling device at least partially prevents a fluid flow through the tubular arrangement from becoming detached from the tubular arrangement. The at least one flow controlling device is positioned within the fluid flow and in an area of the exit opening. The turbine system is configured to operate efficiently in an environment wherein at least an upper edge of the exit opening is arranged above a downstream liquid level.

Abstract: Turbine system including a turbine and a tubular arrangement having an exit opening. The tubular arrangement is arranged on a downstream side of the turbine. At least one flow controlling device at least partially prevents a fluid flow through the tubular arrangement from becoming detached from the tubular arrangement. The at least one flow controlling device is positioned within the fluid flow and in an area of the exit opening. The turbine system is configured to operate efficiently in an environment wherein at least an upper edge of the exit opening is arranged above a downstream liquid level.

Abstract: An improved design for turbines increases efficiency while reducing potential for fish kill. In an embodiment of the present invention as relates to Kaplan turbines, the gap between stay vanes and their corresponding wicket gates is reduced or eliminated by provision of an extension to the trailing edge of the stay vane. In alternative embodiments, the extension may be added to the wicket gate or affixed to both in an arrangement that permits free movement of the wicket gate. To facilitate eliminating the gap altogether, the extension may be made of a pliable material or be fabricated in a telescoping or accordion arrangement to permit contact with opposing parts without damage thereto. By designing extensions using accepted hydraulic principles, a better fit of the stay vane to its associated wicket gate, and possibly to the turbines runners may be effected, further improving operational efficiency and possibly even extending maintenance intervals.

Abstract: Turbine system including a turbine and a tubular arrangement having an exit opening. The tubular arrangement is arranged on a downstream side of the turbine. At least one flow controlling device at least partially prevents a fluid flow through the tubular arrangement from becoming detached from the tubular arrangement. The at least one flow controlling device is positioned within the fluid flow and in an area of the exit opening. The turbine system is configured to operate efficiently in an environment wherein at least an upper edge of the exit opening is arranged above a downstream liquid level. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An improved design for turbines increases efficiency while reducing potential for fish kill. In an embodiment of the present invention as relates to Kaplan turbines, the gap between stay vanes and their corresponding wicket gates is reduced or eliminated by provision of an extension to the trailing edge of the stay vane. In alternative embodiments, the extension may be added to the wicket gate or affixed to both in an arrangement that permits free movement of the wicket gate. To facilitate eliminating the gap altogether, the extension may be made of a pliable material or be fabricated in a telescoping or accordion arrangement to permit contact with opposing parts without damage thereto. By designing extensions using accepted hydraulic principles, a better fit of the stay vane to its associated wicket gate, and possibly to the turbines runners may be effected, further improving operational efficiency and possibly even extending maintenance intervals.

Abstract: Reaction hydraulic turbine that includes a draft tube having side wails arranged to define an inlet and an outlet and an elbow arranged to position the outlet substantially perpendicular to the inlet. A turbine runner is positioned adjacent the inlet and the outlet is arranged to define a flow exit, and a splitter vane is mounted within the draft tube to partially extend across a width of the draft tube. In this manner, flow is redirected about the elbow of the draft tube. The splitter vane includes opposing side edge surfaces that are spaced from the side walls, such that swirl flow is permitted around the splitter vane within the draft tube.